Maksum Nur Fauzan
Surakarta celebrated its 273rd anniversary on Feb. 17, by holding numerous events, such as a visit to the heroes cemetery, the Jenang (sticky rice porridge) Festival, the Kirab Boyong Kedhaton (Palace Migration Parade) and the Adeging Kutha Sala (establishment of Surakarta) colossal dance.
The celebration kicked off with a visit to the heroes cemetery to pay respects to local heroes, especially Ki Ageng Enis, who laid the foundation of the Mataram kingdom. The Surakarta administration then distributed free jenang at Fort Vastenburg in the downtown area.
The parade, which was the highlight of the event, took place along Jl. Slamet Riyadi and Jl. Sudirman. The theme of the parade was “solidarity in diversity”, which was reflected in the colossal dance. A total of 205 dancers participated and came from different elements in society. The dance depicted the establishment of Surakarta during the reign of Paku Buwono II.
The parade also involved 750 people from, among others, the bicycle community and the Soeryo Soemirat Javanese dance troupe. It also included a Sriwedari Javanese theatrical dance performance.
The annual festivity has become a source of entertainment for Surakartans and for people from the surrounding areas. [yan]